Fees for Consular Services Changed

Posted By
Simon Law Group

On August 28, 2014, the U.S. Department of State made an announcement that effective September 12, 2014, it would be adjusting its processing fees for some services. Under the new changes, the fees for most categories of immigrant visas changed; however, the fees for nonimmigrant visas for the most part remained the same.

According to the Department of State, the fee for processing an application for Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship was increased to reflect the true cost of providing this service.

While most categories of nonimmigrant visa processing fees were not changed, the fees for E visas (treaty-traders and treaty-investors) decreased. The fees for the
K visas (for fiancés (e) of U.S. citizens) were increased. The fee charged for Border Crossing Cards for Mexican minor applicants below the age of 15 were increased by $1.00.

For immigrant visa processing, the fee for family-sponsored immigrant visas was increased, and the fee for domestic review of an Affidavit for Support was also increased. All other immigrant and special visa processing fees that were changed saw a decrease.

The Department of State says that documenting a U.S. citizen's renunciation of citizenship is very costly; it requires that U.S. consular officers overseas spend significant periods of time processing and adjudicating cases. In effect, the fee for processing renunciation of citizenship, which was previously subsidized, now reflects the true cost.

Affidavit of Support Review (only applies to domestic reviews): previous fee $88, new fee is $120

Citizens' and Administrative Services

Renunciation of Citizenship: previous fee $450, new fee is $2,350

Charge for Consular Time (fee services performed outside of normal business hours, or away from office): previous fee $231, new fee is $135

The new fees were published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2014, and went into effect on September 12, 2014. For additional information, visit www.regulations.gov. More information can also be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at: travel.state.gov.

If you have further questions or need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact Houston immigration attorneys from The Simon Law Group at (888) 329-1396.